Product efficiency calculator system and method

ABSTRACT

A method of using a computer system to inform a consumer about an efficiency associated with an improved packaging configuration for a cleaning product relative to a standard packaging configuration for the cleaning product. The method comprises inputting values from the consumer into the computer system using an input device and storing the input values in a memory, using a processor to calculate a packaging space efficiency and a packaging material efficiency, and using the processor to calculate a total cost savings from using the improved packaging configuration. The method further comprises calculating a storage cost savings based on the shipping-associated packaging space efficiency and the storage cost per unit volume; calculating a disposal cost savings based on the packaging material efficiency and the disposal cost per unit weight; adding the storage cost savings and the disposal cost savings; and displaying output to the consumer using the output device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to packaging space andmaterial efficiency analysis. More specifically, embodiments relate totools for comparing the relative efficiencies of packagingconfigurations for a cleaning product.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many improved types of packaging are available to ship cleaning productsmore efficiently, for example, by allowing a more concentrated form ofthe product to be shipped to the consumer or by packaging the product ina more compact form having a smaller shipping volume for the same volumeof product. Reducing the amount of packaging in turn reduces the amountof plastics consumed, which has environmental and cost benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the invention is a method of using a computer systemto inform a consumer about an efficiency associated with an improvedpackaging configuration for a cleaning product relative to a standardpackaging configuration for the cleaning product, the computer systemincluding an input device, an output device, a memory, and a processor.The method includes inputting values from the consumer into the computersystem using the input device and storing the input values in thememory. The method further includes using the processor to calculate apackaging space efficiency including calculating a reduction in ashipping volume, a storage volume, or a disposal volume required todeliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product using the improvedpackaging configuration. The method also includes using the processor tocalculate a packaging material efficiency including calculating areduction in the weight of plastic packaging material required todeliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product using the improvedpackaging configuration. The method further includes calculating usingthe processor a total cost savings from using the improved packagingconfiguration. The method also includes displaying to the consumer usingthe output device at least one of the total cost, the disposal costsavings, or the storage cost savings for the standard packagingconfiguration; the total cost, the disposal cost, or the storage costfor the improved packaging configuration; the packaging spaceefficiency; and the packaging material efficiency.

In another embodiment the invention is a computer-readable mediumincluding instructions for executing the above-described methods on acomputational device.

In yet another embodiment the invention is a computer-based system forinforming a consumer about an efficiency of an improved packagingconfiguration for a cleaning product, including a processor and astorage medium. The storage medium includes program instructionsexecutable by the processor for executing the above-described methods.

In another embodiment the invention is a graphical user interface fordisplay on a computer system for informing a consumer about anefficiency of an improved packaging configuration for a cleaningproduct. The graphical user interface includes an introduction page, ageneral information and input page, a packaging material efficiencypage, a packaging space efficiency page, a transportation efficiencypage, and a cost benefits page.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1F are screen shots corresponding to a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 2A-2I are screen shots corresponding to a second embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 3A-3D are screen shots corresponding to a third embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system for implementing anembodiment of a product efficiency calculator program;

FIG. 5 is a system chart depicting one embodiment of a productefficiency calculator program; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of using a computersystem to inform a consumer about an efficiency associated with animproved packaging configuration for a cleaning product relative to astandard packaging configuration for the cleaning product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items.

Informing consumers of the economic and environmental advantages of moreefficient modes of packaging and delivery of products can encourage useof such packaging and delivery modes. Business consumers in particularmay need to see the advantages to the bottom line that are associatedwith more efficient packaging of products in order to justify purchaseof such products, particularly where adopting an improved packagingconfiguration could require changes in procedures at a company.

Given the complexities of determining costs associated with a product'spackaging, the purchaser of a product may make a purchase decision basedonly on the primary factor of the product's per-unit cost, and theconsumer may not appreciate the full cost savings resulting from aparticular packaging configuration. For example, the purchaser of acleaning product may not consider external costs arising from apurchase, such as those associated with shipping, storage, and disposalof the product and its packaging, as well as environmental impacts suchas greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, cost savings due to externalfactors associated with improved packaging configurations can beespecially large for commercial consumers who buy substantial quantitiesof units of a given cleaning product each year. In addition, reductionsin greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) may give rise tocredits that can be traded or sold, e.g. as part of a “cap and trade”program.

A computer program that takes into account the relevant external factorsand demonstrates cost savings and other benefits of various improvedpackaging configurations to a consumer would help the consumer make abetter-informed decision regarding the appropriate packagingconfiguration to use for shipping a product, in particular a cleaningproduct.

Accordingly, disclosed herein is a product efficiency calculator programand method for interactively demonstrating the advantages of using animproved packaging configuration as compared to a standard packagingconfiguration, for cleaning products, e.g. liquid or powder cleaningproducts. The program demonstrates the quantitative and qualitativeefficiencies associated with the use of improved packagingconfigurations for the cleaning product. The program allows a user, e.g.the consumer of the cleaning product, to estimate cost savings and viewother advantages associated with the use of improved packagingconfigurations. In addition, the program conveys information to the userregarding the products that are available and the relative advantages ofthe products.

In order to make the calculated estimates match the user's actualproduct usage more closely, and thereby make the program more useful andrelevant, the program permits the user to set parameters. Settableparameters include, for example, the number of units of product consumedannually, the type of packaging currently used, the concentration ofproduct in the packaging, the amount the product is diluted for one ormore different uses, the distance that the product is shipped to the enduser, and the fuel efficiency of the transportation vehicle. The usercan change parameters interactively and receive immediate feedbackregarding the effect on the efficiencies associated with use of aparticular type of packaging.

The calculator program presents information in a useful format. In someembodiments, the user is presented with a combination of graphics andtext, including user-modifiable text fields, on a collection of “pages”.The user navigates through the program by clicking on one of severallinks on a given page, for example, using a cursor that is driven by acomputer mouse. On some pages, the user can enter values in fields tocustomize the calculations and hence to make the reported values morerelevant to the user's actual product usage. In some embodiments, thecalculator program contains a default value for each user-modifiablevalue. In one embodiment, entry of an updated value in one field on agiven page leads to updating of all relevant fields on that page andrelated pages. Within a given page, information may be organized withinsub-panels to simplify presentation and entry of information.

Navigable screens, also referred to as modules, include:

Introduction page: describes the types of packaging (standard andimproved) that are to be compared;

General information and input page: displays and permits usermodification of one or more general attributes of the standard andimproved packaging configurations, including: product capacity (volume),total shipping weight per unit package, shipping weight of plastics perunit package, shipping volume per package, package units per pallet forshipping, pallet volume, pallet volume normalized per gallon of product,and the number of units of product consumed annually;

Dilution page: in some embodiments, the user can specify one or moredilutions at which the product is used, to help estimate the amount ofproduct that is consumed annually, since the product may be used atseveral different concentrations for different cleaning applications;

Packaging material efficiency page: displays the material efficienciesassociated with use of less packaging material, in particular thereduced weight of plastic material generated through the use of theimproved packaging configuration;

Packaging space efficiency page: displays the space efficienciesassociated with packaging that allows the product to be shipped andstored at higher densities with less packaging and also requires lesslandfill space to be needed for disposal;

Transportation efficiency page: displays the efficiencies oftransportation, which arise, for example, from higher-density packagingthat in turn allows more product to be shipped with fewer trucks; and

Cost benefits page: displays the cost savings from having to purchaseless warehouse space and/or having to pay for less landfill space.

In one embodiment, the calculator program starts at the Introductionpage and the user then clicks a link to navigate to the Generalinformation/input page. In some embodiments, the user can navigate fromthe General information/input page to the Dilution page. From theGeneral information/input page (or Dilution page) the user can thennavigate to the Packaging material efficiency page, the Packaging spaceefficiency page, the Transportation efficiency page, and/or the Costbenefits page (FIG. 5).

In general, the efficiencies that are analyzed and reported by thecalculator program are due to improved packaging configurations for theproduct contained in the package, namely a cleaning product such as aliquid or powder cleaning product. A “packaging configuration” refers tothe packaging material of a package, for example, the volume of thepackage and whether it is a pail, bottle, or other form, along with anyfeatures of the package that improve or affect efficiency. Examples offeatures include a bag inside a box (“BIB”); a built-in measuring spout;and a built-in diluting dispenser. In the former case, the bag inside abox improves efficiency by allowing the stored cleaning product tooccupy a greater percentage of the shipping volume than for standardpackaging configurations, producing a high packing density. In the twolatter cases, the features improve efficiency by facilitating the use ofmore concentrated stock solutions of cleaning product, because thesefeatures allow for very accurate dilution of the concentrated stocksolution into final-strength, working solutions.

Improvements in packaging efficiencies can arise from packaging materialefficiencies as well as packaging space efficiencies. Packaging materialefficiency refers to a net reduction in the weight of packagingmaterial, such as plastic, that is realized by using an improvedpackaging configuration. Packaging space efficiency refers to a netreduction in volume of packaging material that is realized by using animproved packaging configuration. Each of these efficiencies can resultin cost savings, for example, due to reduced storage costs or reduceddisposal costs.

To the extent that specific units of measure are used for input oroutput, the calculator program can convert the units between variousknown measurement systems such as the metric system or English units(e.g. pounds, inches, gallons, miles, etc.). Thus, the results presentedby the calculator program are relevant to users from various countriesusing a variety of unit systems.

Quantitative information may be presented to the user as numbers, or maytake the form of a non-numerical representation of the numerical value,such as a graphical representation including a bar graph, line graph,pictorial chart, or other non-numerical representation.

Information may be displayed to the user in a variety of formats,including pictorial, textual, numerical, non-numerical, graphical (FIG.1B), tables, and lists. Information may also be conveyed in the form ofhypertext or other types of links that guide a user to another source ofinformation such as another page within the same calculator program.

In one embodiment, the calculator 10 is implemented on a computer system12, having an input device 14, an output device 16, a storage medium 18,and a processor 20 (FIG. 4). Possible input devices 14 include akeyboard, a computer mouse, a touch screen, and the like. Output devices16 include a cathode-ray tube (CRT) computer monitor, a liquid-crystaldisplay (LCD) computer monitor, and the like. Storage media 18 includevarious types of memory such as a hard disk, RAM, flash memory, andother magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. Theprocessor 20 is any typical computer processor for performingcalculations and directing other functions for performing input, output,calculation, and display of data in the disclosed calculator. Thecalculator 10 comprises a set of instructions and data that are storedon the storage medium 18. The data associated with the calculator 10 caninclude image data and numerical data.

In one embodiment, the calculator program is implemented as a web page.In another embodiment, the calculator program is implemented as alocally-controlled program on a personal computer. In one particularembodiment, the calculator is implemented within a spreadsheet programsuch as MICROSOFT EXCEL®. In still another embodiment, the calculatorprogram is implemented on a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellphone, or other hand-held electronic device.

One embodiment of a method 600 of using a computer system to inform aconsumer about an efficiency associated with an improved packagingconfiguration for a cleaning product relative to a standard packagingconfiguration for the cleaning product comprises inputting values fromthe consumer into the computer system (task 601); using the processor tocalculate a packaging space efficiency (task 610); using the processorto calculate a packaging material efficiency (task 620); and calculatingusing the processor a total cost savings from using the improvedpackaging configuration (task 630) (FIG. 6). However, other embodimentsare possible and are within the scope of the invention.

FIRST EMBODIMENT Bag-in-Box

In a first embodiment, a product efficiency calculator 10 calculates andpresents efficiencies associated with the use of an improved“Bag-in-Box” (BIB) packaging configuration 200 (FIG. 1A) compared to astandard pail packaging configuration, for example, a 2.5- or a 5-gallonpail (FIG. 1B). In one embodiment in which the cleaning product is aliquid, the BIB packaging configuration 200 includes a liquid-tight bagthat is contained in a box. The box in one embodiment is cardboard,which in one particular embodiment is constructed at least in part fromrecycled material. The bag includes a dispenser 210 that is embedded inthe wall of the box and can be accessed without opening the box. Thecontents of the bag may be a liquid cleaning product in a concentratedform, or in a non-concentrated form suitable for end use. In anotherembodiment in which the cleaning product is in a non-liquid form, suchas a powder, the BIB packaging configuration 200 includes a bag,suitable to contain the cleaning product, inside the box. The bag inthis latter embodiment may not have a dispenser attached thereto, andinstead may have an opening for bulk removal of cleaning product, e.g.at the top of the box.

The standard pail may be a plastic cylinder (open-head) 220 or othercontainer (e.g. tight-head) 220′, generally with a handle. Plastic pails220, 220′ have rounded edges, creating dead space between packages andlimiting the amount of cleaning product that can be packed into a givenspace. Since the BIB packaging configuration 200 stores the cleaningproduct in a cube shape with straight edges, this permits more cleaningproduct to be packed into a given space, e.g. a pallet volume, than forpail packages.

The efficiencies of the BIB packaging configuration 200 include (1) thereduced use of plastics, since the BIB package uses mostly cardboard orsimilar material having limited amounts of plastic in the bag and thedispenser; and (2) the more efficient use of space, since the volume ofcleaning product represents a higher percentage of the shipping volumethan for the same volume of product packaged in a pail. The BIBpackaging configuration 200 also has other advantages over the standardpail packaging configuration, such as ease of lifting and dispensing,and improved safety. Finally, the BIB packaging configuration 200 canmake use of recycled materials in the cardboard portion, and in turn thecardboard portion of the packaging can itself be recycled.

In the first embodiment, the product efficiency calculator 10 comparesfactors for each packaging configuration, including: the capacity (e.g.in gallons); the total weight for the packaging material plus contents;the weight of plastic material used in the packaging configuration; theshipping volume associated with the particular packaging configuration;the number of units that can fit per pallet; the pallet volume; and thepallet volume per unit (e.g. gallon) of cleaning product (FIG. 1B). Inone embodiment, the factors associated with the packaging configurationsare displayed in package information panels 250, 252 (FIG. 1B).

The consumer can enter a number of parameters, for example: the annualnumber of units of the cleaning product by indicating either the numberof BIBs or pails of product (in either packaging configuration) or thenumber of gallons of product (FIG. 1B); in other embodiments, forexample when the cleaning product is a powder, the units may be given interms of weight. The number can be typed into an entry field and theunits associated with the number (BIBs/pails or gallons) can be chosenfrom a drop-down menu, both of which are contained in a productconsumption panel 254. In addition, a shipping distance and atransportation fuel efficiency can be selected using a distance inputpanel 268 and a fuel efficiency input panel 270, respectively (FIG. 1E).

The calculator 10 includes a number of separate pages, or modules, thatthe user can navigate between using navigation panels 240, 242, 256,260, 266, 272, 280 (FIGS. 1A-1F). In some embodiments, the calculator 10stores predetermined information pertaining to the respective containersused in the standard and improved packaging configurations, including,for example, the capacity, weight of plastic material, and shippingvolume for the containers; and the units per pallet, total palletvolume, and pallet volume per gallon of product (FIG. 1B).

Based on one or more of these factors, the calculator 10 determines thematerial efficiency (FIG. 1C), space efficiency (FIG. 1D),transportation efficiency (FIG. 1E), and total annual cost savings (FIG.1F) of using the BIB packaging configuration compared to the standardpail packaging configuration, for example, an open pail or a tight-headpail. In one embodiment, the overall cost savings is the sum of thestorage cost savings plus the disposal cost savings (FIG. 1F).Determination of the packaging material efficiency compares the weightof the plastic material used for the BIB package to the amount used forthe standard pail, as shown in a plastics savings panel 258 (FIG. 1C).In one embodiment, this difference is presented on an annualized basisby multiplying the per-unit reduction in plastics weight by the actualor estimated number of units consumed (FIG. 1C).

The savings in warehouse space are calculated by comparing the shippingvolume of the BIB package to the shipping volume of the standard pailpackage, as shown in a warehouse savings panel 262 (FIG. 1D). In oneembodiment, the comparison is based on the assumption that the packagesare stored on pallets, and thus is based on the pallet volume per gallon(FIG. 1D). In addition to the more efficient package design, the BIBpackage can use warehouse space more efficiently because the BIBpackages can be stacked up to four units high, as opposed to only twounits high for the pails.

The savings in disposal costs are calculated by comparing the volumes ofthe empty BIB containers to the empty pails, for the same amount ofcleaning product delivered, as shown in a landfill volume savings panel264 (FIG. 1D). The BIB package offers other space-saving disposalbenefits that would be realized on top of the more efficient packagevolume, including the ability to break down the cardboard packages priorto disposal. Finally, it also may be possible to recycle the box portionof the BIB.

As a result of the more efficient use of space, the BIB package allows agreater amount of cleaning product to be loaded onto a given truck orother transportation vehicle, reducing transportation costs, fuelconsumption, and pollutant generation, shown in a fuel consumption andemissions panel 270 (FIG. 1E). Given an optional user input of thedistance that the product is shipped, using the distance input panel286, and the fuel efficiency of the transportation vehicle, using thefuel consumption and emissions panel 270, the calculator 10 candetermine the transportation efficiencies associated with shippingproducts in BIB packages instead of pails (FIG. 1E). Based on thisinformation, the fuel consumption and emissions panel 270 displaysvalues including the reduction in the amount of greenhouse gases such ascarbon dioxide (CO₂) associated with the use of the improved packagingconfiguration.

Finally, based on the cost of landfilling materials, for example, indollars per ton, and the cost of warehouse storage, for example, indollars per cubic foot per year, the calculator 10 can determine thetotal annual cost savings associated with the use of the improved BIBpackage configuration rather than the standard pail configuration (FIG.1F). The landfill cost input and annual savings are displayed by alandfill cost panel 274, and the warehouse cost input and annual savingsare displayed by a warehouse cost panel 276 (FIG. 1F). The total costsavings, as well as the separate disposal and storage savings from usingthe improved BIB packaging configuration instead of the standard pailpackaging configuration, are then presented to the consumer in a totalcost savings panel 278 (FIG. 1F). Other, qualitative improvementsassociated with use of the BIB package, such as the improved safety of amore stable package, are shown in an information panel 282 (FIG. 1F).

In other embodiments, such as those described below, the calculatorprogram compares other packaging configurations to the standardpackaging configuration, taking into account differences inconcentration of the cleaning product stored in the respective packages.

SECOND EMBODIMENT Container with a Built-In Measuring Spout

In a second embodiment, a product efficiency calculator 10′ calculatesand presents efficiencies associated with the use of an improvedpackaging configuration having a built-in measuring spout (FIG. 2A)compared to a standard pail packaging configuration, for example, a 2.5-or a 5-gallon pail (FIG. 2B). One example of a container having abuilt-in measuring spout is the container used as part of the AccuMix®portion control system sold by Johnson Diversey, Inc. (Sturtevant, Wis.)(FIG. 2B). Using a container with a built-in measuring spout permits theuse of a more concentrated solution of liquid cleaning solution, whichin turn increases packaging efficiency. The built-in measuring spoutprovides for accurate measurement of small volumes of liquid, in therange of a few ounces, so that dilution rates on the order of 1:1000 canbe reliably achieved.

The calculator 10′ calculates the efficiencies realized as a result ofpurchasing and using a container with a built-in measuring spout, whichfacilitates the use of a concentrated stock of liquid cleaning product,compared to the purchase and use of a standard pail packagingconfiguration containing final-strength liquid cleaning product. In oneembodiment, the liquid cleaning product in the improved container is ata thousand-fold (i.e. 1000×) concentration relative to the finalstrength liquid in the standard pail (FIG. 2C).

The consumer can enter a number of parameters, or default values may besupplied, for example: the annual number of units of the liquid cleaningproduct in either the standard or the improved packaging configuration(FIG. 2C); the dilution rates of the liquid cleaning product containedin the standard and the improved packaging configurations (FIG. 2C); thepail size of the standard packaging configuration (FIG. 2B); a shippingdistance (FIG. 2F); a transportation fuel efficiency (FIG. 2F); a costof landfilling waste (FIG. 2G); and a cost of warehouse storage space(FIG. 2G).

The calculator 10′ includes a number of separate pages, or modules, thatthe user can navigate between using navigation panels 300, 308, 316,320, 324, 330, 338, 348, 364 (FIGS. 2A-2I).

Based on the size of the respective containers, the calculator 10′determines for each container the weight of plastics; the shippingvolume; the units per pallet; the pallet volume; and the pallet volumeper gallon, i.e. the pallet volume per gallon of liquid cleaning productshipped (FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, these values are predeterminedbased on actual measurements of such containers and are stored on astorage medium 18 such as a memory device and are recalled and displayedby the calculator 10′. The values are displayed in package informationpanels 302, 304 (FIG. 2B).

In some embodiments, the calculator 10′ queries the consumer regardingwhether the products are used at a single dilution rate for allapplications and whether the annual consumption of product, in eitherthe standard or improved packaging configuration, is known; thesequeries are shown in a query panel 306 (FIG. 2B).

Based on a selected packaging type and the number of units of thatpackaging type that are consumed per year (both entered via a firstannual consumption panel 310), as well as the dilution rate for theproduct in each type of container (entered via a first dilution ratepanel 312), the calculator 10′ determines the number of units of eachtype of container that are consumed per year (FIG. 2C). Thedetermination, which is a known or estimated annual consumption, isshown in a second annual consumption panel 314 (FIG. 2C). Finally, basedon the fact that use of the improved container with a built-in measuringspout facilitates using a more concentrated form of the liquid cleaningproduct, the calculator 10′ determines the overall efficiencies of theimproved packaging system (FIGS. 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G).

The efficiencies include packaging material efficiency (shown in aplastics savings panel 318; FIG. 2D), packaging space efficiency (shownin a warehouse savings panel 322; FIG. 2E), and transportationefficiency (shown in a distance panel 326 and a fuel consumption andemissions panel 328; FIG. 2F), which can translate into overall costsavings from using the improved packaging configuration compared to thestandard configuration (shown in a total cost savings panel 336; FIG.2G). In one embodiment, the overall cost savings is calculated as thesum of the storage cost savings plus the disposal cost savings (FIG.2G). The storage cost savings are shown in the warehouse cost panel 334and the disposal cost savings are shown in the landfill cost panel 332(FIG. 2G). In another embodiment, the calculator 10′ determines how manyfewer trucks are needed for transportation of the liquid cleaningproduct due to the use of the improved packaging configuration, based onthe number of pallets that can fit into one truck as well as the netannual reduction in the packaging space (shown in the distance panel326; FIG. 2F).

Determination of the packaging material efficiency compares the weightof the plastic material used for the improved packaging configuration tothe amount used for the standard packaging configuration. In oneembodiment, this difference is presented on an annualized basis bymultiplying the per-unit reduction in plastics weight by the actual orestimated number of units consumed (shown in the plastics savings panel318; FIG. 2D).

The savings in warehouse space are calculated by comparing the shippingvolume of the improved package to the shipping volume of the standardpackage. In one embodiment, the comparison is based on the assumptionthat the packages are stored in pallets, and thus is based on the palletvolume per gallon (FIG. 2B).

The savings in disposal costs are calculated by comparing the net volumeof packaging material that would be generated with the improvedpackaging configuration to the volume that would be generated using thestandard configuration. In embodiment, the savings in disposal costs areattributable in large part to the higher concentration of the liquidcleaning product that can be used with the improved packagingconfiguration (FIG. 2G).

As a result of facilitating the use of a higher concentration ofcleaning solution, the improved packaging configuration requires lessliquid cleaning solution to be shipped in order to produce the sameamount of liquid cleaning solution at the final working concentration.This reduction in the amount of material to be shipped in turn reducestransportation costs, fuel consumption, and pollutant generation (FIG.2F). Given an optional user input of the distance that the product isshipped and the fuel efficiency of the transportation vehicle, thecalculator 10′ determines the transportation efficiencies associatedwith shipping products in the improved packaging configuration insteadof the standard packaging configuration (shown in the fuel consumptionand emissions panel 328; FIG. 2F). Based on this information, the fuelconsumption and emissions panel 328 displays values including thereduction in the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants such ascarbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxide (NO_(x)), hydrocarbons (HC), andparticulate matter (PM), associated with the use of the improvedpackaging configuration.

Finally, based on the cost of landfilling materials, for example, indollars per ton, and the cost of warehouse storage, for example, indollars per cubic foot per year, the calculator 10′ can determine thetotal annual cost savings associated with the use of the improvedpackaging configuration rather than the standard pail configuration(shown in the total cost savings panel 336; FIG. 2G). The total costsavings as well as the separate disposal and storage savings from usingthe improved packaging configuration instead of the standard pailpackaging configuration are then presented to the consumer.

In one variation of the second embodiment, the calculator 10′ determinesthe amount of product usage, and subsequent packaging-relatedefficiencies, based on multiple different dilution rates of theconcentrated liquid cleaning solution used for different cleaningsituations (FIG. 2H). For example, the consumer may use the cleaningproduct at higher concentrations (i.e. less diluted, for example 1:512)for heavy soil and at lower concentrations (i.e. more dilute, forexample 1:1024) for medium soil. The package type and annual consumptionare entered and shown in a third annual consumption panel 340 (FIG. 2H).The respective dilution rates for the product as stored in the improvedand the standard packaging configurations are shown in a second dilutionrate panel 342 and a third dilution rate panel 344 (FIG. 2H).

In another variation of the second embodiment, the calculator 10′ canfurther determine consumption based on the amount of surface area to becleaned in a particular application, the number of locations having thatamount of surface area, and the coverage rate of the liquid cleaningproduct when used in its diluted forms (FIG. 2I). The consumer canoptionally enter values including: frequency of application per month;dilution rate of the product in such applications; number of locations;cleanable area per location; and coverage rate of product in final,diluted form (e.g. in sq. ft. per gal.), for the liquid cleaning productcontained in the standard and the improved packaging configurations. Thefrequency of application per month and the product use dilution ratesare entered in a fourth dilution rate panel 350 and a fifth dilutionrate panel 352 (FIG. 2I), for the improved and standard packagingconfigurations, respectively. Other information for determining productusage based on surface area are entered and displayed in panels 354,356, 358, and 360. The estimated annual consumptions of product in thestandard and improved packaging configurations, based on surface areasto be cleaned at particular dilution rates, are shown in a fourth annualconsumption panel 362 (FIG. 2I).

For example, if a consumer has ten locations having 20,000 square feetof area that must be cleaned daily, then there are 200,000 square feetof area to clean per day. Given that the liquid cleaning product at itsfinal concentration covers 2,000 square feet per gallon, 100 gallons offinal-strength cleaning product will be required per day. Since theimproved packaging facilitates the use of stock liquid cleaning solutionat a much higher concentration than in the standard packagingconfiguration (e.g. 1000-fold for the improved packaging compared to40-fold for the standard pail), far fewer units of the improved packageneed to be used in this case to achieve the same end: on an annualbasis, the consumer would use 141 units of the improved package ascompared to 328 units of the standard pail package. In addition, each ofthe improved packaging configuration units is smaller, at 32 ounces,than the standard pail packaging configuration, at 2.5 gallons.

In either of the two variations on the second embodiment discussedabove, once the calculator 10′ has determined the number of units ofproduct that are consumed of the standard and the improved packagingconfigurations, the remaining calculations of efficiencies areequivalent to those already described above for the second embodiment.

THIRD EMBODIMENT Ready-to-Dispense Container

In a third embodiment, a product efficiency calculator 10″ calculatesthe efficiencies associated with the use of an improved container thatfacilitates use of a more concentrated form of the product. In thisembodiment, the improved packaging configuration is a ready-to-dispense(RTD) container (FIG. 3A) that dilutes a concentrated stock solutionsimultaneous with delivery, either by filling into containers ordirectly spraying in an application. One standard type of packagingconfiguration that the ready-to-dispense package would replace is aready-to-use (RTU) package such as a hand-held spray bottle containingliquid cleaning product at a final concentration (FIG. 3B). Depending onthe degree of concentration, one RTD container with concentrated liquidcleaning product can replace dozens or more RTU containers having liquidcleaning product at a final, end-use concentration. Thus, even thoughone RTD container may have more plastic material and a larger volumethan one RTU container, the fact that a single RTD container replaces somany RTU containers produces a large net efficiency in terms of spaceand materials.

The calculator 10″ includes a number of separate pages, or modules, thatthe user can navigate between using navigation panels 400, 410, 412(FIGS. 3A-3B).

To compare the efficiencies associated with the use of the improved RTDpackaging configuration instead of the standard RTU packagingconfiguration, the calculator 10″ allows the consumer to input severalvalues, including an RTD package size (e.g. 1.5 liter) using an RTDpackage size panel 402, a dilution rate of the concentrated liquid inthe RTD package (e.g. 1:40) using an RTD dilution rate panel 404, an RTUpackage size (e.g. 1 liter) using an RTU package size panel 406, and anannual consumption rate of either RTD packages or RTU packages (e.g. 100RTDs) using an annual consumption panel 408 (FIG. 3B). Depending onwhether the annual consumption of RTD packages or RTU packages isspecified, the other consumption value can be estimated, based on thedilution rate in the RTD package and the respective volumes of materialin the RTD and RTU packages. For example, at a dilution rate of 1:40 andgiven that the RTD package is 1.5 liters while the RTU package is 1liter, a single RTD package is equivalent to 62 RTU packages (FIG. 3B).

Based on the given information, the calculator 10″ determines thepackaging material efficiency associated with the use of the RTDpackaging configuration in place of the RTU packaging configuration(FIG. 3C). The calculator 10″ first determines the number of RTUpackages that is equivalent to a single RTD package, i.e. the number ofRTU packages required to deliver the same volume of end-use strengthliquid cleaning product as one RTD package, shown in a first containerequivalent panel 418 (FIG. 3C). The number of RTU packages is thenmultiplied times the weight of plastics material in one RTU package(shown in a first RTU packaging panel 416), and the weight of plasticsin one RTD package (shown in a first RTD packaging panel 414) issubtracted from this value to arrive at the packaging materialefficiency per RTD package. The packaging material efficiency ispresented to the consumer as a function of the weight of the plasticmaterial that is saved for each RTD package that is used, for example,the number of grams of plastic material saved (shown in a packagingmaterial efficiency panel 420; FIG. 3C). If it is estimated or knownthat the consumer uses more than one RTD package per year, the per-RTDpackaging material efficiency value can be multiplied by the number ofRTD packages to arrive at the total packaging material efficiency value(also shown in the packaging material efficiency panel 420; FIG. 3C).

The calculator 10″ also determines the packaging space efficiencyassociated with the use of the RTD packaging configuration instead ofthe RTU packaging configuration (see second RTD packaging panel 422 andsecond RTU packaging panel 424; FIG. 3D). As with the packaging materialefficiency, the use of concentrated liquid cleaning solution that isfacilitated by the improved RTD packaging configuration means that manyfewer units of liquid need to be purchased, shipped, stored, anddisposed, translating into efficiencies and savings (shown in a secondcontainer equivalent panel 426; FIG. 3D). Although in the example abovethe single RTD package is larger (4,800 cubic centimeters for a 1.5liter container) than a single RTU package (1,800 cubic centimeters fora 1.0 liter container), the fact that one RTD container is equivalent to62 RTU packages means that there is a savings of 106,800 cubiccentimeters in packaging space for each RTD container that is used(shown in a packaging space efficiency panel 428; FIG. 3D).

1. A method of using a computer system to inform a consumer about anefficiency associated with an improved packaging configuration for acleaning product relative to a standard packaging configuration for thecleaning product, the computer system comprising an input device, anoutput device, a memory, and a processor, the method comprising:inputting values from the consumer into the computer system using theinput device and storing the input values in the memory, the inputvalues including at least one of, a number of units of cleaning productthat are purchased by the consumer per year in the standard packagingconfiguration; a number of units of cleaning product that are purchasedby the consumer per year in the improved packaging configuration; avolume of the cleaning product in one unit of the standard packagingconfiguration; a volume of the cleaning product in one unit of thestandard packaging configuration; a concentration of the cleaningproduct in the standard packaging configuration; a concentration of thecleaning product in the improved packaging configuration; a shippingdistance; and a transportation fuel efficiency; using the processor tocalculate a packaging space efficiency comprising calculating areduction in a shipping volume, a storage volume, or a disposal volumerequired to deliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product usingthe improved packaging configuration compared to the standard packagingconfiguration, based on the volume and concentration of cleaning productin the standard packaging configuration and the volume and concentrationof cleaning product in the improved packaging configuration; using theprocessor to calculate a packaging material efficiency comprisingcalculating a reduction in the weight of plastic packaging materialrequired to deliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product usingthe improved packaging configuration as compared to the weight ofplastic packaging material required to deliver one unit volume ofend-use cleaning product using the standard packaging configuration,based on the volume and concentration of cleaning product in thestandard packaging configuration and the volume and concentration ofcleaning product in the improved packaging configuration; calculatingusing the processor a total cost savings from using the improvedpackaging configuration comprising calculating a storage cost savingsbased on the shipping-associated packaging space efficiency and thestorage cost per unit volume; calculating a disposal cost savings basedon the packaging material efficiency and the disposal cost per unitweight; and adding the storage cost savings and the disposal costsavings; and displaying to the consumer using the output device at leastone of the following values the total cost, the disposal cost savings,or the storage cost savings for the standard packaging configuration;the total cost, the disposal cost, or the storage cost for the improvedpackaging configuration; the packaging space efficiency; and thepackaging material efficiency.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thestandard packaging configuration is a 2.5 gallon pail, a 5 gallon pail,or a ready-to-use container.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theimproved packaging configuration is a bag-in-box, a ready-to-dispensecontainer, or a container with a built-in measuring spout.
 4. The methodof claim 3, wherein the cleaning product in the improved packagingconfiguration is more concentrated than the cleaning product in thestandard packaging configuration.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theshipping cost for the standard packaging configuration or the improvedpackaging configuration is determined based on at least one of thetransportation fuel efficiency and the shipping distance.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein at least one of the packaging material efficiencyand the packaging space efficiency is determined based on a user-definedvalue.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the packagingmaterial efficiency and the packaging space efficiency is determinedbased on a default value.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the packaging material efficiency and the packaging space efficiencyis determined based on the concentration of the cleaning product in thestandard packaging configuration and the concentration of the cleaningproduct in the improved packaging configuration.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein at least one of the packaging material efficiency and thepackaging space efficiency is determined based on the volume in one unitof the cleaning product in the standard packaging configuration and thevolume in one unit of the cleaning product in the improved packagingconfiguration.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying to theconsumer using the output device at least one value comprises displayinga non-numerical representation of the at least one value.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein the cleaning product is a liquid cleaning product.12. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying to the consumer using theoutput device at least one value further comprises displaying areduction in the amount of carbon dioxide associated with the use of theimproved packaging configuration.
 13. A computer-based system forinforming a consumer about an efficiency of an improved packagingconfiguration for a cleaning product, said system comprising: aprocessor; and a storage medium operably coupled to the processor,wherein the storage medium includes, program instructions executable bythe processor for inputting values from the consumer into the computersystem using an input device and storing the input values in a memory,the input values including at least one of, a number of units ofcleaning product that are purchased by the consumer per year in thestandard packaging configuration; a number of units of cleaning productthat are purchased by the consumer per year in the improved packagingconfiguration; a volume of the cleaning product in one unit of thestandard packaging configuration; a volume of the cleaning product inone unit of the standard packaging configuration; a concentration of thecleaning product in the standard packaging configuration; aconcentration of the cleaning product in the improved packagingconfiguration; a shipping distance; and a transportation fuelefficiency; using the processor to calculate a packaging spaceefficiency comprising calculating a reduction in a shipping volume, astorage volume, or a disposal volume required to deliver one unit volumeof end-use cleaning product using the improved packaging configurationcompared to the standard packaging configuration, based on the volumeand concentration of cleaning product in the standard packagingconfiguration and the volume and concentration of cleaning product inthe improved packaging configuration; using the processor to calculate apackaging material efficiency comprising calculating a reduction in theweight of plastic packaging material required to deliver one unit volumeof end-use cleaning product using the improved packaging configurationas compared to the weight of plastic packaging material required todeliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product using the standardpackaging configuration, based on the volume and concentration ofcleaning product in the standard packaging configuration and the volumeand concentration of cleaning product in the improved packagingconfiguration; calculating using the processor a total cost savings fromusing the improved packaging configuration comprising, calculating astorage cost savings based on the shipping-associated packaging spaceefficiency and the storage cost per unit volume; calculating a disposalcost savings based on the packaging material efficiency and the disposalcost per unit weight; and adding the storage cost savings and thedisposal cost savings to produce the total cost savings; and displayingto the consumer using the output device at least one of the followingvalues, the total cost savings, the disposal cost savings, or thestorage cost savings for the standard packaging configuration; the totalcost, the disposal cost, or the storage cost for the improved packagingconfiguration; the packaging space efficiency; and the packagingmaterial efficiency.
 14. The computer-based system of claim 13, whereinthe cleaning product is a liquid cleaning product.
 15. Thecomputer-based system of claim 13, wherein displaying to the consumerusing the output device at least one value further comprises displayinga reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide associated with the use ofthe improved packaging configuration.
 16. A graphical user interface fordisplay on a computer system for informing a consumer about anefficiency of an improved packaging configuration for a cleaningproduct, comprising: an introduction page comprising, a navigation panelfor navigating to another page; a general information and input pagecomprising, a package information panel for displaying informationpertaining to packaging configurations, a product consumption panel forentering an amount of product consumed, and a navigation panel fornavigating to another page; a packaging material efficiency pagecomprising, a plastics savings panel for displaying an amount ofplastics saved by using the improved packaging configuration, and anavigation panel for navigating to another page; a packaging spaceefficiency page comprising, a warehouse savings panel for displaying anamount of warehouse space saved by using the improved packagingconfiguration, and a navigation panel for navigating to another page; atransportation efficiency page comprising, a distance input panel forentering a shipping distance for the cleaning product, and a fuelefficiency input panel for entering a transportation fuel efficiency andfor displaying a reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant generationfrom using the improved packaging configuration, a navigation panel fornavigating to another page; and a cost benefits page comprising, alandfill cost panel for entering a cost of landfilling waste and fordisplaying a landfill cost savings from using the improved packagingconfiguration, a warehouse cost panel for entering a cost of warehousestorage and for displaying a warehouse cost savings from using theimproved packaging configuration, a total cost savings panel fordisplaying a total cost savings from using the improved packagingconfiguration, and a navigation panel for navigating to another page.17. The graphical user interface of claim 16, further comprising: adilution page, the dilution page comprising an annual consumption panel,a dilution rate panel, and a navigation panel for navigating to anotherpage.
 18. The graphical user interface of claim 16, wherein thepackaging space efficiency page further comprises a landfill volumesavings panel for displaying an amount of landfill space saved by usingthe improved packaging configuration.
 19. The graphical user interfaceof claim 16, wherein the cleaning product is a liquid cleaning product.20. A computer-readable medium, comprising: first instructionsexecutable on a computational device for inputting values from theconsumer into the computer system using the input device and storing theinput values on the storage media, the input values including at leastone of a number of units of cleaning product that are purchased by theconsumer per year in the standard packaging configuration; a number ofunits of cleaning product that are purchased by the consumer per year inthe improved packaging configuration; a volume of the cleaning productin one unit of the standard packaging configuration; a volume of thecleaning product in one unit of the standard packaging configuration; aconcentration of the cleaning product in the standard packagingconfiguration; a concentration of the cleaning product in the improvedpackaging configuration; a shipping distance; and a transportation fuelefficiency; second instructions executable on the computational devicefor using the processor to calculate a packaging space efficiencycomprising calculating a reduction in a shipping volume, a storagevolume, or a disposal volume required to deliver one unit volume ofend-use cleaning product using the improved packaging configurationcompared to the standard packaging configuration, based on the volumeand concentration of cleaning product in the standard packagingconfiguration and the volume and concentration of cleaning product inthe improved packaging configuration; third instructions executable onthe computational device for using the processor to calculate apackaging material efficiency comprising calculating a reduction in theweight of plastic packaging material required to deliver one unit volumeof end-use cleaning product using the improved packaging configurationas compared to the weight of plastic packaging material required todeliver one unit volume of end-use cleaning product using the standardpackaging configuration, based on the volume and concentration ofcleaning product in the standard packaging configuration and the volumeand concentration of cleaning product in the improved packagingconfiguration; fourth instructions executable on the computationaldevice for calculating using the processor a total cost savings fromusing the improved packaging configuration comprising calculating astorage cost savings based on the shipping-associated packaging spaceefficiency and the storage cost per unit volume; calculating a disposalcost savings based on the packaging material efficiency and the disposalcost per unit weight; and adding together the storage cost savings plusthe disposal cost savings; and fifth instructions executable on thecomputational device for displaying to the consumer using the outputdevice at least one of the total cost, the disposal cost savings, or thestorage cost savings for the standard packaging configuration; the totalcost, the disposal cost, or the storage cost for the improved packagingconfiguration; the packaging space efficiency; and the packagingmaterial efficiency.
 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20,wherein the cleaning product is a liquid cleaning product.
 22. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein fifth instructionsexecutable on the computational device for displaying to the consumerusing the output device further comprises displaying a reduction in theamount of carbon dioxide associated with the use of the improvedpackaging configuration.